5 of the best analogue gadgets

We’ve long been fans of Korg’s analogue ribbon synthesisers, and the stealthy black Delay is its latest bleepy triumph. Its ‘Space Delay’ feature opens up a pandora’s box of cosmic squeals, which will have you performing a live score to Forbidden Planet in no time. Small enough to fit in Robbie the Robot’s back pocket, it’s also battery powered and has an AUX input so you can plug in and space-ify any audio source your astronaut’s heart desires.

Turntables have long been the torchbearers of dusty analogue charm, but they can pack modern pizzazz too. This vibrant deck (also available in blue and yellow) features a highly stable 3cm acrylic plinth topped by a 6kg aluminium platter, which keeps the vinyl spinning at an unwavering tempo. And at the base you’ll find feet that can dampen vibration from the liveliest of parties. Yes, it’s more complicated to use than your Sonos. But has streaming music ever given you this kind of joy?

Ah, vacuum tubes. A rare sight in today’s transistor-driven world, but still found huddled together for warmth in guitar amps. Here, their ability to create smooth, warm overdrive is revered above digital’s precision. This Randall has an armoury of tone options to suit all tastes: three preamp channels can be selected with a stamp of the footswitch, with EQ controls on hand for extra snarl. Not that your audience will notice – they’ll be too absorbed in the RT100H’s mesmerising blue glow.

“Aha! But that’s digital!”, you cry. Maybe so, but although the 4N has a numerical display front and centre, there’s actually a magical collection of analogue wizardry behind it that pulls all the strings (or wires, or levers). In total, 520 finely honed parts dance together to make sure you don’t miss the train. Then again, if you can afford of one these 16-piece limited edition timepieces in white gold or platinum, you’re more likely to be travelling by private jet.

Analogue gadgets don’t have to look like museum exhibits, but in the LomoKino’s case it’s rather apt that it does. Hand-crank the video onto 35mm photographic film for joyfully low-fi results at a maximum of five frames per second; exactly how many you get will depend on how fast you turn it. Aim through the viewfinder rectangle, select your focus option – close-up or normal – and choose your shots wisely: you’ll only get 144 frames from a 36-exposure film.